Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

One of the best things about farmers’ markets is getting first hand stories from experienced vendors.

We’ve been following closely along with Alton Estate Wineries. Here is quote from them: “We also use our herd of sheep to keep the vineyard weeds (somewhat) under control and remove the lower vegetation on the vines.  This opens up the vineyard to winds, allowing better drying of the vines and less chemical use. Sheep also digest seeds and help to reduce the weed burden in the long term. Sheep manure is also our main source of fertilizer for long term vineyard health.”

Sheep are an integral part of the farm operation at the winery and this spring has brought 11 new lambs to grow up and join the crew! Congratulations!

Another vendor that has been giving us updates about the farm are our Goat Cheese Vendors! Dave (who you will meet at market on Thursday evenings this year) and Michele both come from deep family roots in dairy farming.

“Both went to agricultural college and actually met on the dairy farm that Dave worked at! They loved working together on the farm and taking care of the animals and eventually married. They now have 4 children and decided to start a farm of their own milking goats in 2005.

They still have a passion today for raising and milking the goats and the lifestyle that this provides. They say the goats have such a sense of curiosity and love of life it makes them a challenge and a joy to work with everyday, we love our animals and therefore love our work, what more could you ask for.”-www.greatlakesdairy.com

We hope that this season gives you plenty of opportunity to meet with vendors new and old. Seeing everyone reconnect after a long winter at our Easter market this past weekend was so wonderful. The community surrounding and supporting this market is what makes it the success it is. See you all Saturday May 4th or Thursday May 9th (maybe both days if we’re lucky!)